The Pokémon TCG has gotten to a place where only those with money & connections can enjoy the hobby of collecting. This video is about holding content creators including myself, accountable for the amount of influence we have over this community. If we don't steer ourselves in a different direction than where we've been going the last 6 months...more and more people who genuinely love Pokémon will be forced out due to money and greed. I don't want that to happen. EDIT: I also want to add that this isn’t about booing other creators at all, this video is speaking up about what behavior is being normalized in the Pokémon community. Because creators online are the people who are spreading the word of Pokémon / controlling it's exposure they NEED to understand that every action they take has large impacts on the mass majority of collectors. It's gotten reckless and out of hand and it needs to change. And if they won't change, then we all need to take a really long look at what type of content we're consuming and what it's promoting.
The answer almost exclusively is: neoliberal capitalism and the dog eats dog mentality it demands from all individuals forced to participate in it to a point where abstract and interpersonal exploitation was fully normalized and rationalized by a predatory group of people.
I feel you. Can’t find any Pokémon cards in my town. I’ve bought 2 Champions Path’s ETBs but for an extra Premium price chase they were sold out everywhere. Got them on Stock X.
100% agree. The big RU-vidrs, especially Leonhart and Logan Paul, are entirely the problem. We all know who they are and they should be ashamed. All of the rest of us appreciate this.
Glad you addressed these topics and issues Bou! I remember the days where I played the trading card game in high school with proxy cards because i didn't have the funds to build decks, but now I do and i'm trying to get back into the game. It's difficult to see that a game that holds sentimental value go through the reality of today. Influencers have a role to play for their communities and I'm glad that you're addressing what is needed in this video. Pre-orders are the only way I get product now. I don't even bother with big box stores. Especially when i see people on tiktok go "hunting" for cards by tracking down distributors and where they drop.
I got reinterested in the tcg this year after 20 + years and all this happened these last 6 months. Got a double set battle deck like yesterday from a local small comic shop at the regular price. I’d really like to actually play the game but seeing what’s happening and what it shows to new fans sucks. I have a feeling this will drop off next year when the fanfare and anniversary craze will go away.
OH really??? Do you know what my dream is? Is having a vintage pack/booster box! And you know what? I probably will never be able to buy one. ALL these youtubers own all of the vintage stuff and they sell it for 10+ times what it was worth 2 years ago!!! For example a fossil pack was 25/30 bucks 2 years ago and now its upwoards 300!. And most of them are owned by youtubers who are selling now. SO they are profit like 270 usd in 2 years! but when a scalper buys an ETB for 50, sells on ebay for 90 and after ebay and paypal fees earns like 15 usd of profit everyone hates him!!!! The gainers right now are ebay and paypal!!! I am a collector, maybe a little bit of a scallper if you want to call it that way. But I SOMETHIMES SPEND LIKE HOURS AND HOURS FINDING PRODUCT ONLINE AND I AM AWAKE UNTILL 6 AM CHEKING WEBSITES WHILE EVERYONE IS SLEEPING. And then I make 15 usd profit. Do you really think is it worth it?????? WHY IS NO ONE TALKING ABOUT PEOPLE WHO LITERALLY BUY A 10 USD CARD, GRADE IT FOR 20 USD AND SELL IT FOR 200! LIKE THE AMAZING RARES. That was no work involved too basically!!!! and no one cares.
At my local cards and game store, some guy tried to buy all 6 ETBs (im not sure which set) but the owner told him no because he won't have product for his regular, loyal customers. I honestly think that's great because for small stores, it's so much better to keep a loyal customer base than just sell to scalpers to make sales.
Would watch that, similar watch MLP documentary how everyone affects into MLP. What you said be a dope film to hear bou and small poketube community of thought this and us a Pokemon fan. Cause I'm not happy what took all cards to love and hobby.
Just want to say Thank you for speaking for the Pokemon Players and Lovers that didn't have a voice in this. It was Terrible not be able to get anything for Christmas here in Michigan last year. I had never seen anything like that before in my 15 years of collecting. I believe this community can easily handle the "Small Paul Bubble" we are going through because the players and collectors will always be the true back bone to this community and when the market becomes too inflated and everyone else leaves, We will still be here to stay because it is our pride and joy. Much love to all the real collectors and players out there that aren't using pokemon as a cash cow. Love you guys!!
I’m sad that people are misconstruing this video. Because this video is literally the voice of every Pokémon collector out there that don’t have a voice. Bou LITERALLY spoke out for me and many others, she was my voice for how Ive been feeling, and many other’s voice as well and the fact that there’s RU-vidrs out there misinterpreting this video makes me sad and frustrated.
she made a video opening 1200 booster packs and has done videos opening like 100+ before and large amounts of booster boxes, the content creators are a big part of the problem.
I have noticed a heavy increase of scalpers and Crypto salesman ruining the Pokemon TCG. 90% of the people that bought into logan pauls recent box break were crypto influencers... its absurd.
Well Collectibles Guru also goes by JBtheCryptoKing. He obviously knows nothing about cards so it's pretty obvious to see what his interest in all this really was. Those Logan Paul videos were an attempt to manipulate the whole secondary market from the start.
Ugh I am really tired of people like this infecting everything I love and ruining everything they touch. It’s bleeding into the art community now too (I’m a professional artist) and it always seems to be the same sort of folks: toxic people looking to manipulate markets and take advantage of communities just to pad their wallet and boost their egos.
I find the community's reaction to this video to be disappointing. So many people are misrepresenting what Caribou said, or made lengthy reply videos that completely missed the point. Caribou specifically went out of her way to explain all the outside factors which led to the current situation. She did not say it was 100% content creators fault. She pointed out shipping constraints, the pandemic, and short stock. The point is, the face's of the TCG threw gasoline on the fire and caused it to explode - all for selfish gains. And you know this is true, because as she again pointed out, NONE of the top TCG personalities have been talking about the scalper problem, or the fact that their own viewers can't even buy a single booster pack at the store. Instead they are taking advantage of the situation and using their connections to hoard product purely for financial gain. That in itself isn't a problem, but they don't stop there. They are actually going out of their way to continue to fan the flames, to keep the direction of the TCG about money, because they are making bank off the current situation and do not care about their own viewers not being able to participate.
When I was 16, I did a summer study abroad program in Japan. I spent a week at a homestay with a nice Japanese family, but I was incredibly homesick. I didn't speak the language, or have anything in common with the family. Then, one day a neighbor stopped by to chat, and brought her young son with her. He had brought his 3DS, and just happened to be playing Pokémon. Excitedly, I took out my own copy of the game, Pokémon black 2, and his face lit up. We showed each other our Pokémon, and even traded a couple, until he had to leave. After that, something changed, and I was able to enjoy the rest of my trip better. Despite being from two entirely different countries and not being able to communicate in words to each other, we managed to connect over a shared love of Pokémon. I think about that experience a lot. It captures, for me, what the Pokémon community has always meant for me. It is a place to connect to others, no matter your differences. It is inclusive, spanning different ages and including people from all over the world. That's what the Pokémon community has always been for me, and I hope that is what will persevere moving forward. It's sad to walk into a store right now and see the barren shelves, and the inflated prices of a simple booster pack being resold online. The barrier for entry to this hobby is now too high for children and even many adults to get into. If this continues, there won't be able to be a next generation of Pokémon lovers.
@@nicholasnoriega1205 Kaiba starter deck or LOB? When I was a kid they had first edition starter decks at the local card store and I remember I got the kaiba one for my first yugioh purchase. That blue eyes was my prized possession for some time.
My girlfriend gifted me an Alolan Sandslash GX box for Valentine’s Day last year. She reminded me that on our first date I picked up some Pokémon cards from target and we opened them together. That day she apparently fell in love with the way I got excited, the way I was happy. My love for Pokémon is tied to the girl I love, and damnit do I miss seeing her smile when I would overreact at a decent pull. I miss Pokémon cards.
This is what happened with my girlfriend and I. We've always been Pokemon fans and we started opening some of the newer sets together over a year ago before things got insane. We wanted to do some more when we got together again, yet you can't find ANYTHING in stores because of all this. I'm "glad" the big name influencers get excited they can do it, but it's destroyed the hobby...
I got into Pokemon for the games . Collecting cards was a physical connection i could make to my favorite Pokemon and hold them in my hands. I will never let this hobby go.
I don’t agree with everything, but she’s right. At a time when empathy and care is at its LOWEST, scalpers, some content creators and resellers have caused folks invested in this franchise to feel all time lows. I sadly used to scalp. It was honestly for the money and I thought it was worth it because of the high you get after you make a profit and chasing these items in stores, and exclusives. But I just realized that if my love for pop culture was to keep getting scalped, I too would fall into some deep depression. I sort of am. Thanks for putting this vid out there. I needed this to remind me that I need to stop chasing dollars and start chasing passions and more worthy memories. I’m sorry to the Pokémon TCG community. I really screwed up. I’ll be better.
It's great that you acknowledged it and thank you....But the damage is done. I'm not trying to continue to knock you down. But the fact is, there is hardly any product out there ans when there is, it's so sold for 5× the price and makes it impossible to get. Thank you for apologizing.
What I can't get over is that, if you don't do it then others will. Maybe I have already fallen into this deep depression you're speaking of. I'm not a pokemon TCG scalper, but I do scalp other things which makes this situation relatable. I don't want to become the person I hate but I will also hate myself for not taking advantage of this opportunity. I need help.
My reason of getting into Pokemon: I'll never forget the day my big brother bought me Pokemon Red for my Gameboy pocket. I got hooked instantly and choosing Charmander as my starter was just the beginning of my love of Pokemon. I will always have many fond memories of opening packs as a kid (I still have all my vintage cards I've collected as a kid). Fast forward today, now I have my own family and have my son, Luke, who loves Pokemon just like me. We now have a channel of our own and both share the love of Pokemon. My son reminds me of how excited I was when I was little too. I will always have a spot in my heart for Pokemon. It's sad what's happening but I know this will all fade away and return back to normal. Until then, nothing will change our love for Pokemon and continue moving forward. The real ones will stay strong and train on. Thanks for being an awesome content creator. We will always enjoy your channel and hope to be at your level one day.
I think that buying old cards that are no longer in the market is fine, but when people buy out the new sets and rob kids of their childhood and other collectors from their hobby, then it’s definitely a problem.
You said what has been needing to be said. So many other creators don't have the guts. Good for you. It may be too late to put pandora back in the box but at least you spoke the truth about the people that opened it.
Back when sun and moon came out, there was ONE more pack at our small local store. that ONE PACK had a full art Lillie inside. I'm so glad all of these big youtubers didn't get to open that only to sell it for money. To this day, I've kept it inside of my best case. It's forever my greatest memory, and will NEVER be sold.
Randolph also made a video recently going into this topic and saying he’s going to do his part to help. He stresses the real prices of cards, why it’s irresponsible for creators to list PSA 10 prices as the “normal” price knowing dam well it’s VERY unlikely to work out that way, etc. Now you posted this video, seriously wanted to say a big thank you for being a voice with the way things are going! You guys are seriously what the community needs, lucky to have you guys.
@@thetcgbaptist846 Apart from the packs he opened were from Pikachu V-Boxes that have been available everywhere, including my local game store, and I live on an island in the English Channel 5 miles wide by 9 miles long. He has also created a way for families to get free product from his stock when they can't get it in store and he is not selling his products at an over-inflated price, so yeah call it fake but he's also doing the work to back it up.
@@B3nj_1 if they were available everywhere bou wouldn't make this video and people like myself would have opened shining fates by now.. but here we are. Idk if he gives people free stuff, I dont watch him enough to keep up. I just know that I watched that same day he opened a lot of shining fates and in the same breath told everyone allocation was low for his website🤦♂️ and after he got flamed by viewers he dropped that fake video you speak of
It’s crazy because I’ve been seeing people say “just get a business license to buy from vendors” like bro. I don’t want to buy 100 boxes, I just want like 2 or 3 😩 But that’s the mind set of some people and it’s sad
Coming back to this video 2 years later feels so different. The scalping for the high demand stuff is still there... but it is better. And now that ive converted from collector to player, i am greatful to my LGS for holding product specifically for their players on league nights. Thanks for this one Bou
Your down to earth attitude on this subject warms my heart. Your understanding that people who enjoy the hobby are getting absolutely screwed by this situation is appreciated. Thanks.
It’s rare that an hour long RU-vid video will hold my attention to the end, but this did it. I only collect vintage product, so I don’t experience the troubles of trying to get product from local retailers or card shops but I’m SO happy Bou has addressed this. It’s super important that some of the Pokemon channels with large platforms bring light to this issue. Imagine when you were a kid, if you went to Target to get a pack of Pokémon cards with your parents, or Grandparent, or whoever, and the shelves were totally wiped clean. We didn’t have that issue in the late 90’s early 2000’s. Hopefully the Pokémon community can get rid of the unethical methods of selling product.
I just started getting into playing Pokémon tcg and it’s been so hard to find channels that actually talk about the game and not just investing. It’s been kinda discouraging but ur channel has been a shining beacon of light! Thank you for caring about Pokémon tcg 💜
We are so honored you featured us In your video! If anyone needs help finding cards we will help everyone get our hobby back! Thank you Frosted Caribu everyone needs to see this!
Nice to hear my voice make a couple of appearances. You used it very well and only highlighted my points further, so thank you! Thank you also for speaking out, I have addressed this in some videos, hence the voice clips, but never directly. I'm glad a platform of your size recognises this and is able to portray the issues so well. I'd only add that "Pokémon investing" channels need to be held more accountable also. Yes Logan stoked the fire, but it's being kept very much alive by this new investing focus and let's be real... No "investor" is going to give out that information for free! They can hype a product, after purchasing and stacking that product, then sell off for a major profit. I've seen them do this, and some have even admitted to it, but at the very least apologised for it. It's literal stock manipulation, and it's illegal in actual stock trading, so why should it be allowed in this. On top of that, they know the videos do well and bring in additional revenue. It's simply just unethical and ridiculous. On a more positive, I like that you also addressed how yes people can buy the single cards on the secondary market, but genuine collectors and enthusiasts (not gate-keeping), love the experience of actually opening the cards, from the pack fresh smell (everyone knows what I'm talking about), to the rush of finally pulling your favourite chase card. It's almost surreal how it feels. I could go on and I've been meaning to make a video like this but now I don't feel I need to. I'm going to sharing and highlighting this video as much as I can so people understand the sheer impact it is having on the community. So again, thank you!
@mikael englund I live in Hawaii where they actually do this. Everywhere that has Pokémon has a limit set, and it’s still impossible to find anything, because these scalpers bring multiple people so they all can stand in line and buy all the product. I recently went to a Target here and stood in line for 2 hours all so I had something to open for me and my son. I got a whole 4 packs. Meanwhile there’s scalpers coming out of the store with boxes and ETBs that they just bought for $20 and $40 that they are trying to sell to the people standing IN LINE for $50 and $100.
This video got me a little emotional I’m not gonna lie. Pokémon has always been my escape from life. No matter what was going on, I could always turn to playing Pokémon games, watching the anime, or collecting cards to get me through it. Thank you Bou
Finally a poketuber that cares about Pokemon! I feel sorry for the kids who cannot get this product and get that exact same feeling I had opening packs as a child. People need to stop feeding the scalpers, just the ride the storm and wait for these products. The scalpers will get bored and find something else to ruin. You have certainly opened my eyes to all these other content creators that are doing it purely for the money and fame, not for the passion and love of Pokemon collecting. Thankyou again for speaking out!
All I wanted was to share this hobby with my son, he's six years old now, he's finally at that perfect age to start, the age I was when I got into it. And he IS into it, he loves Pokémon, all he wants to do is collect cards. And we can't, we never got one single McDonalds pack for him, can't find one single booster pack. I managed to get a couple of the cereal boxes with mini packs inside, but that's it. Every time I take him out to find cards I get to watch as his hopes of finding cards get crushed. Don't buy from scalpers everyone.. just let them sit on a huge stock of cards and never be able to sell them, don't give them a reason to continue what they do.
Dude I was lucky enough to live in an area where only old people live so I had no problem getting mcdonalds packs. I also have tons of duplicate cards (not mcdonalds) I remember I got into cards when I was young as well and honestly it hurts my heart that you cant go through that same experience with your son. I'm 100% willing to send you my extra cards for free. message me on discord. Username is Mack#8474
Im hoping things have got better where you are and youre able to share your love of cards with your son! I live in the middle of nowhere in the UK and things were really bad last year but are a lot better now
Im sorry to hear that your child can't even enjoy the magic that the cards bring. If I could, I would buy booster boxes for you and your child so that you can enjoy the excitement opening packs.
Im sorry to hear that your child can't even enjoy the magic that the cards bring. If I could, I would buy booster boxes for you and your child so that you can enjoy the excitement opening packs.
yeah, i wanted to get my daughter and I into collecting pokemon. Bought a booster box of vivid, we were so excited had so much fun. went to go get another box. only to find it double the price....
I have been in a similar situation. My daughter loves the pack opening videos and she wanted to start making some herself, but in order to even find any Pokémon products we have to go to 3 different stores first.
We build memories in the entire of process, searching stores to looking at online retailers and hopefully finding some packs all these thing create memories and more memorable when we finally get our hands on the actual product
I used to think Max was a bit weird in the past but his comments on Dumb Money's unboxing about CollectiblesGuru made me burst out laughing that I happily cried! "Arrest One Punch Man ASAP!"
I got into Pokemon because when I was in primary school, it was my best friend's special interest. She had a lot of cards, and she gave me seven doubles - some of which I still have - and it was an interest that we could share between us. We really loved Pokemon, and for me, I got into it out of our friendship and carried those cards with me everywhere. Rachel started me on a path I've never left. I'm sure so many people have similar stories. I even gave my own doubles to my baby cousin when he was old enough, and I hate to think that the enthusiasm so many kids have is being ruined by the current situation. I want the community to flourish like it used to.
This is an incredibly well thought out video and I just wanted to say it’s very inspiring too. Thank you for sharing this message. I hope things get better for Pokemon TCG players and fans. Keep up the great videos.
The UK is trying to pass a law that prohibits the sell of any product more than the retail price until 2 years of its release. After 2 years since its release its considered a collectible. Maybe Bou and the pokemon community could start an online petition to make this a law in the US??
I have seen this too. However we also have to think it will not stop scalpers at all. It will actually allow them to get retail everywhere and at the same time still be able to make bigger profit margins on ebay/marketplaces outside the UK
@@danielmarques7226 Man, I hope that's not true. Idk, this is all heart breaking. And I understand why people want to quit collecting. I Feel the same way.
I used to crack packs with my Dad. He died in my arms in 2015. I recently found my old cards in my closet at my mom’s and it has changed my perspective on everything. I’ve since started opening packs with friends ❤️
Yes but also no rich people that are ruining pokemon tcg aren't new but Logan Paul on the other hand is new and made the jump in tcg becoming not as fun because scalpers realized that this is the best place to scalp right now it's like when in full house uncle Jesse got scammed by a scalper for superhero action figures because that was the best place to scalp back then
You are going to be one of the creators that is gonna save this game and save this hobby of collecting, and playing!! We all appreciate you speaking out, and trying to help make a change! :)
Most content creators put the money they earn from ad revenue straight back in to funding more content, it is their business after all. It is a snowball effect, the more people that watch, the bigger they can go each time. Also, that intro editing was on point. Did a little bit of a cry seeing it all in one go like that... very powerful Bou!
Man, 2 years after this video, I wanted to start collecting again, like in my jr high years. Growing up, I never played pokemon since my parents were against pokemon. When I started jr. High, I started playing pokemon games and started to collect the cards. I appreciated the whole franchise, now that I graduated highschool I wanted to bring back the magic that I missed out when I ended playing pokemon and cards, I recently got my first job and was very excited to finally buy booster packs with my hard-working money, but empty shelves everywhere in my local stores. And I think of just quitting the thought of collecting these awesome cards. But I hope that someday resellers can stop and give the opportunity for everyone to just have fun collecting again. But I wouldn't give up the magic that pokemon creates, instead of people who only care about pokemon as stocks and nothing else. I would definitely advise people to talk and hang around people in the community who really appreciate this franchise for what it is. Keep up the amazing work!!!! :)
I always held you in high regard as a great Poketuber, but this... this raised you up even higher! thank you for this, whenever someone tells me "what's your problem with scalpers" I will refer them to this video. you're amazing and thank you for this
Legitimately the most *LEGENDARY TYPE* of well spoken, well versed, poképrofessionally presented video in this community right *meowth*. From someone whom has and does live and breath Pokémon since the beginning (young trainer watching the first aired episode, all the way to brick & mortar LGS owner, RU-vidr, Player & All Around Lover) *THIS VIDEO* - Is It. We need more voices like these, to come together and bring such Opoképinions together collectively, in a poképositive manner. MUCH LOVE, BOU and *TRAIN ON* fellow trainers, don't give up! There's a Pokémon silver lining here... and it's how we can all come together to help and contribute to one another. 🔥💪✌🧡
Your boy Pokerev is one of these scalpers. He hundreds and thousands of packs in one video or keeps opening these Super Rare boxes and the dollar continues to go up because of it. His prices are also insanely overpriced. It's terrible.
Do the right thing please Tre. An open discussion from People like you and others who are large in the community like Rev would be an important starting point for righting this ship.
I started collecting again after my 3 year old daughter started watching the Indigo league anime on Netflix with me. She was hooked instantly and the cards have been a great way for her to learn how to read words she doesn't know. Pokemon TCG gives me something special to share with her that will hopefully last a long time.
Wow! I literally just got into the TCG bc my girlfriends little girls wanted to learn how to play and now we have a hobby to do together, but I was so oblivious to the problem with collecting now. We did notice that when we got the girls the happy meals for them that sometimes they where out of the packs that came with them, and bc I mainly played Yu-Gi-Oh I would go and just checkout the card section but noticed the Pokémon section was bone dry. This video literally popped up yesterday and after watching it, it makes me sad that what was supposed to be a way for me and the girls to connect, have fun, and enjoy a hobby, it has now turned into a stock, but I am also very thankful and appreciative that this community has a content creator like you that spreads the awareness and truly cares about the people who just want to enjoy the game. We bought the Pikachu and Eevee Let’s Play pack to learn and have fun with and also play the online TCG so thankfully we can bypass all the craziness, violence and greed and just have fun! Again I am so appreciative that you made this video and that I was fortunate enough to watch it and be further educated before diving deeper into Pokémon and me and the girls will continue to just play and enjoy, and also watch and support your channel! Thank you very much!!!
a well-told warning to Magic players, and others, who are passionate about TCG's and hope the high-profile celebrities steer clear of the price tags that haunt our games.
As someone who is into building computers I thought I'd seen some pretty bad scalping when it came to graphics cards and other various parts but recently getting back into Pokémon for the first time since Roaring skies released I am absolutely blown away by the prices some of the product has gotten to. I still remember always being able to walk into my closest convenience store and buy a pack of heartgold soulsilver for 5$ but not I can't buy a pack of shining fates for anything less than 20$, I can only hope that production speeds up soon.
Thank you bou for having the courage of actually speaking out when one else would I actually started playing the tcgo because of you ... if I'm picked for the wining please roll again I don't need an ETB I already have one please give it to someone else
I remember being 6 years old looking at sparrows in my backyard wishing they could be Pidgeys. Now I share my love for Pokémon with my kids, and we are always actively looking for flying Duckletts and evil Mandibuzz. We will always love Pokémon, TCG or not. Thank you for this video, it’s nice to know there are content creators that care.
I got into Pokémon when my older sister dragged my family into a movie theater. We watched the very first Pokémon movie, and I remember loving how cute Mew was. Soon after, I started watching the Pokémon episodes on TV with my sister, and here we are now. I’ve got every kind of Pokémon merchandise - the games, the cards, the prints, the plushies, and the figures. I even have this old Pokédex replica. My sister still has the Ancient Mew promo to this day, but it’s all scratched up, bent, and even has a tear in it. It’s still my favorite card because it’s tied to the reason I love Pokémon today.
First of all, I just have to say you did an AMAZING job on this video. It’s so reassuring to see a content creator who genuinely cares about the little guy and the community like you do. I was a huge Pokémon fan growing up and picked up the hobby again at the beginning of the pandemic. It brought back all of the feels I had as a kid playing and collecting cards. It made covid-life a little more bearable for my friends and I until the card-drought hit. I do have faith that prices will come down to something reasonable and I think the scarcity of cards right now will only make us appreciate them more in the future. Thank you again for this video, it is an awesome reminder for the community that there are genuine people out there who aren’t just in it for the hype. - Taylor
I got into Pokemon when I was 7 years old because of my older cousin. He had a giant poster on his door of all the original 151 and binders full of cards and holos that I would look through and just be blown away by. After seeing how much joy it brought me my mom (who was also beginning to love Pokemon with me) bought me a light desk so that I could draw all of my favorite Pokemon. Then as I got even more into it she bought me my own cards and a gameboy to play the games. My mom unfortunately passed away 5 years ago but I still continue to play the game because of the fond memories I have associated with it, it still makes me just as happy as it did when I was little.
I mean... it’s not the same. Forget the conversation about scalpers and influencers and empty shelves. Back in 1999, I couldn’t get packs in LA consistently. They were going for a premium and my parents weren’t gonna pay that much. A booster box? That was for the rich kids. I opened maybe 50 loose boosters total of base set but that’s all I needed to get one of every card. Jungle and fossil needed even less Nowadays you need a thousand packs to get that one chase card so it’s not the same. I dunno how much you can really care about a hobby when the numbers game is so against you
Mhm, I agree. It is a shame because it really is a nice thing seeing parents, young kids come into my work to buy a pack or two. To elaborate on parents I'm talking about ones who are like talking to me about new and old expansions and how they used to collect and stuff, its a joy to be able to nerd out with a customer at a part-time retail job. Albeit music, games, etc since we sell a bit of everything. I also just like helping guide the clueless parents buy cards for their kids or suggesting where to go to get what they may be vaguely asking for!
This is my 6 year old. He's so excited about shining fates and has been watching all the videos. I've managed to get hold of only a few bits, a couple of mini tins and one Pikachu v box. If the market continues this way though, and I have to keep telling him I couldn't get it, he's going to lose interest, and he's never been this hyped about something.
When Pokemon go first came out, I had social anxiety, recently got my autism diagnosis and I had lost the few friends I had. I were scared of going out, scared of people. The Only thing that got me outside were my love of pokemon, I have had since i were little. Growing up when pokemon first came out, saving my allowance so that I could buy One pack of pokemon cards. And now the new game Pokemon go was out and I were all for it. It became my life and gave me so much back. I Went outside, i meet other people that were playing, i got to be part of an amazing and caring community, i meet my boyfriend thanks to pokemon go. Pokemon go saved me, without it I would have never left my apartment, never got the courage to meet and talk to other people. Never got to see the beautiful sides of this world.
That's beautiful. I'm happy that you were able to find caring people who accepted you for who you are. I was able to find a hobbies through Pokemon that would help me through my bad days. You're never alone in your struggles.
Unfortunately even the go community is getting anti social with the remote raids and Niantic has gotten greedy it’s more money and seeing less. I had the same issue. If you’re looking for some raids please drop your trainer code and discord name.
I wish I could like this video more than once. You really are speaking for so many. I only got into TCG a couple of years ago to help find something to bring my relationship closer togther with my wife. We both loved pokemon and board games. Now we play all the time and use it to decide who cleans dishes lol.
After seeing this, I now know why your videos are the way they are - you purely enjoy what you do and share that with others. I thought that people like you (and me) didn't even have a place in the Pokémon community. But I LOVE that you share this on a purely enjoyable level - no matter how out-imaged we are by economics and media with poor values. I get so excited and happy from opening Pokémon cards and I have never cared about the price. Ever. I enjoy the process of discovery, because I enjoy life. That's what Pokémon was created for anyways. Love this video and now I support you and what you represent even more. And thank you for giving me the courage to continue to enjoy Pokémon.
considering your frustration with pack openings getting more views than tcg videos i think your openings are really well done with the inclusion of how to play the cards its a perfect segue for those views into the game videos so i just wanted to say keep up the good work!
TCPI is aware. They are trying to increase supply. Pokemon used to flood the market to the point they cut production (Crimson Invasion era). Logistical studies always says it is easier to cut production than to increase production. Even TCP was caught off guard by the demand.
How do you feel about people that say, “if you don’t want to pay scalper prices you should have got preorders!” But you can’t get preorders because the bots got the preorders when the preorders were released.
I’m with you man! Some people just don’t have opportunities as big as everyone else. Even with Pre-Orders, hundreds of people have probably placed their orders and intend to buy them in bulk while others just want to catch a break and get themselves something good for once
Luckily for me, I was one of the extremely fortunate for even just finding one ETB shining fates at MSRP at my LGS. But i remember when I went into get one, there were ppl buying them in bulk and it made me mad.
I was recently blocked from the Pokémon center for apparently “looking through the site too fast” as I tried looking for cards. In the end, they thought I was a bot; I can go back as of now but it makes a funny story between my little sis and I
Pokémon was there for me when no one else was. I suffered from severe depression and anxiety and self harmed and had been assaulted and hid a lot of the bad things going on in my life from everyone. Pokémon was my escape made me happy when it was hard to find a happiness. I have held onto them after all these years still a collector and play the card game. I’ve taught my son how to play and even watched my niece get into it herself. Pokémon will always be a part of me and be a safe haven for me 💕
I've been into pokemon since day one. Being a 90's kid I grew up playing red/blue. I've played every single pokemon game (except ultra sun/moon) and the company itself is just a reminder of my childhood and all the fun times i've had with this franchise overall. Been playing Pokemon GO since day one, been collecting cards for a long time, even in the beginning with base set days, and have never once sold a card. Cards are the art and the games are the entertainment for me. I truly love this franchise and hate what the TCG community has become. I have taken a step back from the cards because its so annoying walking into Target and seeing everything just gone. Really hope things go back to normal so the kids can one day walk into target again and get their own packs. Much appreciate this video. Thank you for this.
I witnessed a small girl with a gift card she got for Chrismas crying at the empty shelf at target with her mom trying to comfort her. Completely broke my damn heart.
@@michaeld614 this is a problem all over right now not just in capitalist America. You only hate capitalism when you can't get what you want but love it when you can.
ADrive literally never even mentioned TCG until this whole thing and then just rode the wave and honestly it was one of the reasons I unsubscribed to him. As far as the Dumb Money stream, I will say Leonhart DID say that he would not buy the box and that for him it was a little sus.
aDrive did tcg before the whole logan paul thing tbh. I swear i remember him mentioning it when rebel crash was out which got me to get the set because i liked some of the full arts. I just know he didnt doany videos until the hype started to happen but he does have old tcg videos i noticed on his channel. I honestly dont know what to think of aDrive anymore hes encouraging a lot of scalping even on his TCG store page $200 for hidden fates etb and $150 for shining fates etb practically saying “lets scalp the scalpers”
I’ve never really seen adrive mention TCG until mid 2020 compared to his like 7 year journey on YT. He’s always been a shiny hunter and I believe he was a VGC competitor too. But that’s all changed recently and I just don’t like what he’s doing with the TCG
@@toastdad0988 Yeah he’s actually like 1/4 or more of the way to a worlds invite for VGC. But since this tcg boom something with him has changed. I think he said during one stream that if the VGC format wasn’t what he liked he was just gonna abandon his Championship points for VGC and do tcg instead.
I found your channel literally a mere week before you posted this video and I am SO GLAD you are the first and only person I subbed to as I try to reignite my childhood interest. Your ✨authenticity✨ shines through and YOU are the kind of creator I am inspired by!! 💕 THANK YOU for sharing this POV! I can take a personal stand, check my OWN behavior, and stay within my moral boundaries as I start my new hobby 😊 Will keep watching your videos, and hopefully soon learn to play the TCG!!
Seeing that kids cannot get Pokémon cards now leads me to believe that Pokémon has the possibility of dying. If kids cannot discover the passion of finding and breaking packs, there will not be a future for the TCG. Most of our passion started when we were younger when we would save up money to get 1 pack at the store. At least that’s how it was when I was a kid. I remember going to the store With my friends and competing to see who can pull the best card, and trade what we did not want. It started a sense of adventure and desire to collect them all. I feel bad for the kids who will never find that passion if this doesn’t stop soon.
I have so many great memories of being on the playground and comparing collections and working out trades with other kids. Like you said, we'd go to Walmart or Target and buy up the packs we could afford and do big openings with everybody around just to see what they would pull.
I was about to buy the rest of the booster packs at a store and I decided to give three to a kid because I felt bad that he won't get a chance because of these assbags.
cry me a river , I spend about 4000 a week on pokemon , quick flip easy 2000 profit a slow week , and yes I work full time , Will I stop? no , message me if you need HF, SF or cosmic eclipse , bulk sales only, and 1 sealed case of evo booster boxes
I've been lucky for having friends in target and other big box stores to get me a small snippet for shining fates. I even got charizard. So please exclude me from the giveaway and thanks for the video!
I know this came out a while ago and you probably already gave away the SF ETB, but I just watched this and really wanted to comment on why I go into pokemon and why I still love it. When I was young I was not allowed to have videogames, but my sister got me Red Version and a yellow gameboy color for my 10th birthday. She got it at a garage sale while my parents weren't looking and never told them before they saw me open it up. They were not happy she did this, but they saw the genuine joy and excitement in that moment and could not bring themselves to take it away. That moment began my love of games. For that kind of moment it can bring to someone. Today I am working my butt off teaching myself game development, (and very close to breaking into the industry) because I want to be able to create those types of moments. My sister's sneaky move almost 20 years ago set in motion all the events that would lead me to where I am now. Pokemon means so much to me. That gameboy is the most precious thing I own, I hope to keep playing it forever.
I have only recently started playing the tcg. As a child my parents did not believe in pokemon. Pokemon go is where I started and I have since grown a love for all things pokemon and seeing my 5 and 3 year olds genuine passion and entertainment for it has only magnified my own passion and they will be the ones receiving these cards if I win!
I hope the ETB goes to a kid...suggestion: crack the seal when you send it off to force whoever receives it to enjoy the experience of collecting just incase a scalper makes it through.
I got into Pokemon to bond with my son more. We got in at Hidden Fates, and its now grown to where we participate in a weekly league, and I'm a Professor (not the best idea during COVID but hey, at least I'm ready now). Pokemon is something I did with my dad, and now I get to do it with him. And it's great to see him get passionate about something, especially when it involves other kids and MATH!
I got into the pokemon tcg for the artwork, I love that with each new set comes a completely new piece of artwork for each pokemon and I think that it doesn't get enough credit, I would much rather open a pack and get a cool piece of Arcananine artwork then a holo that I have seen 50 times over.
Right on with this video. The tcg is where it's at. The pokemon tcg online is free. I've been playing it for years without spending a dime. It's awesome. Pokemon tcg online is the only card game u can do that with
Pokemon reminds me of my childhood and more innocent times. I guess it just brings me back. Thanks for making this video asking content creators and the whole community to reflect on their actions and what's driving this madness.
When I was a kid, I collected Pokémon cards. I traded with friends to the point where my teachers in school banned us from bringing cards to school because we were trading cards more than focusing on school work. I didn’t really have the greatest of parents growing up, and when I reached middle school, my mom told me I had to quit collecting cards and threw my entire collection away.. Flash forward a couple years and I get into Pokémon go once I get to college. I start getting back into all things Pokémon after getting into Pokémon go. I started collecting the costume pikachu plushes and I start getting back into collecting cards around when team up was released. I discovered a love specifically for mimikyu because of that set and it felt like I was reclaiming all the parts of my childhood that was ripped away from me by opening packs. It’s definitely frustrating not being able to enjoy the hobby like it used to be, but I’m hopeful that the hobby will become as accessible as it once was. Thank you for such an informative video and articulation every emotion I’ve been feeling about what the hobby has become. Keep it up with the awesome content!
I had a middle aged man who clearly couldnt name 5 pokemon threaten me today at walmart over 5 blister 3 packs of battle styles... And the only reason i got my hands on those is because i happened to be there when the vendor was stocking. Its painful to see where this hobby is at.
This is why im scared to go out in public and try to find pokemon cards to buy. im only 13 and I cant imagine a 40 year old man threatening me over some cardboard/paper.
Cheers for this one! I have kinda just bought cards on the side to open for fun and never done any sort of content about them since I just don't care for that sorta stuff (prefer just making video game related stuff hehe) but trying to buy Shining Fates has been a fucking disaster, I am in Sweden and even here I can't find it in any stores because some 40+ year old dudes come in and buy up everything leaving fuck all for the rest of us to get. And then they sell it for 3x the prices... It's honestly kinda frustrating... I just want to have some for fun because I just enjoy the thrill of opening the packs for fun but nope none of that for me hehe...
@@ramanpreciado2241 yeah I started playing with my boys 2 years ago and just in that time it's changed quite a but. Champions path and shining fates have been completely ridiculous can't even find 1 elite trainer box at msrp
Hey neighbour, I'm from Finland and was shocked to see my local toystore absolutely void of cards. That has never happened in 10+ years I've gone there. I'm in a more fortunate position too as I rather collect pokemon figures and plush, but it's really weird and sad. I've also seen a 30+yo guy go to the cashier and ask when are they getting more TCG. Leave some for the kids too, jeez...
This surprised me. I live in Norway and I have absolutely no issue getting my hands on Shining Fates or really any pokemon cards. Shelves seem always fairly stacked.
I can genuinely say I make pokemon videos because I LOVE the feeling and experience. It brings me joy and now I can share that joy with the my audience and the world. Thank you for making this amazing video!
3 года назад
That’s why I make videos because I love Pokémon. I keep all my stuff.
@ Yeah I never really felt the to sell my cards, its cool to know what I'd get if I did but I just don't get that urge. I like seeing them in my binders, on my shelves. In my top loaders and sleeves. They are just nice to look at and say "Yeah, I got that myself. 😤".
Some dont even realize it, there was a bunch of elite trainer boxes at a walmart nearby and a guy on the reviews a few days ago shamelessly admitted to buying 15 of em and was gonna sell em for triple the price online, and theres a bunch reviews just as similar on other retailers
I watched this video in 2022 to better understand what happened because I always hear about it. It makes me glad I got into playing and collecting in 2022 instead of earlier, which is sad, I thought before this I should have gotten into it a long time ago. Thanks for making this because it fully explains what happened, as well as the emotion and distress that came along with it.
I never understood the "I'm scalping to feed my family" arguement. "I don't have the money to pay food for my loved ones, so I'm gonna casually buy 10000+ $ of product to then flip at a later date instead of, you know, buying food". Same deal with the ps5. Honestly, it feels like an excuse to justify immoral practices.
The root of the problem is the people willing to pay these prices to the scalpers to be honest. If we all refused to buy 120 dollar boxes then they would not be being them up to resell.
It's a way of making more money. If someone has a few thousand dollars but needs more and won't be able to get it, then they can probably double it scalping, or if they have less. If they print too many cards to all be bought out, though, or scalpers compete with each other more, then they get nothing. It's a gamble.
Yeah, it’s BS. Not to mention that parents that may be struggling to buy their kids $4 packs at the store now can’t even find them in stores and have to pay much more from them from sketchy internet dudes. Idk I want to enjoy this hobby with my daughter when she gets old enough, but worried that it won’t be around or will be much much different by then..
If you have young ones (who you want to get into playing rather than just collecting) Pokémon sell a battle academy box which gives you a couple of decks and shows you how to play step by step. The kids even get a couple of full arts in it. There not worth anything as all cards have a stamp to show they are from the game so the box is readily available. My boys have loved it!
@@AlphaStoutland Leonhart, RealBreakingNate, UnlistedLeaf are my main dudes but I've found it odd/frustrating how they show that they are aware of the situation but have never said the word "scalper"
You're probably one of my new favorite creators. I just started watching you today and you care so much about us that aren't able to get our hands on cards. Thank you for your content and thank you for making this video. You've gained a life long subscriber
It’s literally the same thing that happened to the sneaker game years ago once rich kids and resellers get involved they suck all the joy out of the market
Bravo to you on this video! It’s brave to put your personal feelings out there about this community. I’ve watched your channel off and on for a year or so (I actually started playing your Xatu deck). You’ve earned a loyal watcher now!
Wow, I made it to one of your videos? That was pretty cool 😁 I definitely think we are all feeling the same way. As someone who has been collecting since 99 with a break from 2002 until 3-4 years ago, I think I speak for a lot of us when I say this all hurts, and bad. I hope things get back to normal soon.
I spent a long time digging for people speaking on this and watching dozens of videos. (RU-vid doesn't like to make it easy to find smaller channels.) I really appreciated your insight and I was happy to feature you in this! What you said is 100% true.
Thank you for producing such a well-written and evidence-based reflection and wake-up call regarding this worsening issue with the PTCG hobby and community. My family and group of friends have been collecting and playing for years before its boom in popularity in recent years and with COVID. We just wanted 1 Shining Fates ETB to open together, as Eevee is many of our favorite Pokemon. We all play Pokemon Go regularly, even now, and grew up playing the games and PTCG in elementary/middle schools. We started collecting and playing PTCG about one to two years ago now that we're older and want to pass that passion and interest to the next generation and kids. When we found out preorder for Shining Fates was apparentlt a thing, we went to 3 Gamestops and all were sold-out with pre-orders. We saw one obvious scalper buy 60 ETBs, and the Gamestop employee confirmed that, in front of us and that scalper. Another guy ordered 30 ETBs. They had no shame at all. There were none left and Gamestop wouldn't set limits. We were so upset in that moment. No equity at all and the actual fans and lifelong Pokemon lovers are left with nothing. We are going to keep waiting for future prints and re-stocks, and will not enable the scalpers. Thank you, Bou, for having the courage to make this and say something we all feel and are frustrated about as fans.
@@kurisu3000 RU-vid can put ads on your videos btw. For example, I am not a partner, but you could still see ads on my videos and I will make no money. It all goes to RU-vid. Granted he probably is a partner. But just wanted to state that lol
My son, aged 9, and indirectly I have been into Pokemon for 2 weeks and my deal with him before buying him cards was that he and I needed to learn to play the game. I did buy him some 10 dollar 50 card bundles that sellers were selling locally, mostly commons, uncommons and a cpl rares per custom booster, I thought it a good way to get him a base to play the game from. The seller threw in a bunch of trainers, a hundred energy, some tokens and dice, cpl tins etc. Im sure he took out the vmax's etc but least after buying some actual boosters we are up and running. He's making new friends at school, and him and I have another thing to share. Im new to and love Pokemon, aged 43. Ive consumed a ton of youtube the last 2 weeks, you are easily my favorite content creator. You get it.
This is my history with the pokemon tcg. I remember in 2007 when I went into toys r us and my dad helped me pick out my first two theme decks ever. I began building up my collection, not necessarily to play with or to collect the rare cards, but most just because I love building decks with all of my favorite pokemon in them. I mostly bought the theme decks because they gave me more energy so I could keep building more decks. As I got older, I started playing the pokemon video games, and watching the pokemon anime. I would always bring my cards to school and to summer camp to trade and battle with other people. I remember I got an electivire lvl x card that I thought was just the coolest thing ever, and I won a lot of games against my friends with that card. I love collecting cards because I loved sharing the experience of collecting with all of my friends. But as I got older, most of those people fell out of the hobby. By middle school, I was the only person I knew who still had their pokemon card collection. The experience I had once loved was gone, as I had nobody to play or collect with. I ended up giving away my collection with all my ex and level x cards to a family friend who was younger and was just starting out with the hobby. It had seemed like my love for the pokemon tcg was over. But in 2018, while procrastinating my homework, I stumbled upon a channel called tricky gym and I found out about the pokemon trading card game online. I immediately got back into the hobby and bought 2 elite trainer boxes of ultra prism to crack and open. I fell in love with the gx cards and the artwork for all the cards in the sun and moon sets, but I disliked the full art cards and hyper rare cards, as I saw them as just a cash grab from the pokemon company. I continued buying and collecting for about a year, until I was too busy with college applications and didn't have enough pocket money for myself to be able to buy new product, but I continued playing the online game and following all of the major tcg tournaments. During quarantine, I started collecting again, with my goal to have a full collection of all of the regular art gx cards from all of the sun and moon sets. I personally am not particularly affected by the current situation, since I don't really open up product and most of the cards I want to collect aren't particularly expensive(i.e no desire to collect charizards). However, I cannot help but feel for the people who were like I used to be, who jsut want to collect and trade and battle like the way the tcg was intended to be. If this behavior continues, I don't see a very bring future in the world of collecting. I just wanted to share my experience with the pokemon tcg, and why I love this game so much.
